Practice Standards, Statements and References

The Code of Ethics and Interpretive Statements, the Standards of Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, Competencies in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, and The Fundamentals of Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, AAOHN Core Curriculum, 4th Edition provide the basis for scope of practice, knowledge, skills, and the legal and ethical framework in occupational and environmental health nursing. There are multiple Position Statements on varying topics that impact occupational and environmental health practice and several texts that guide clinical care in a workplace setting.

Based on the fact that occupational and environmental health nurses work in business settings, even when the setting is healthcare, they need a significant level of business acumen. From an in-depth understanding of benefits planning, to project management, writing business plans, and documenting return on investment, nurses who deliver care to workers need strategic and creative thinking skills. While many of the journals and organizations, included in this guide, contain management information, an addition rudimentary list of resources is noted below.

As in any setting, the occupational and environmental health nurse relies on the Nurse Practice Act, the law in each state that defines the responsibilities of the nurse and the “scope of practice” – the range of activities and services as well as the qualifications for practice. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing brings together all state boards of nursing. Some other pertinent laws with a brief explanation are listed below.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual preference, national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Family and Medical Leave Act entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage.